What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels improve the quality, texture and color of skin by stimulating a healing response. This causes the body to build new collagen and slough off the rough outer layer of skin and replace it with newer, younger appearing skin.

There are many types of chemical peels that vary in their strength. The stronger the peel, the deeper it will work, creating more dramatic results. Dr. Vennemeyer will help you select the right peel for you, based on your skin type and goals.

How does a Chemical Peel work?

Chemical peels resurface the skin by creating controlled damage to a specific depth. Your body then heals the damage leading to newer, better skin. The deeper the damage created by the peel, the deeper your body will work to heal.

When your body is healing from a chemical peel the outer layers of skin that are affected by the peel are shed. This is what the term “peel” is describing. As people age, their skin tends to get dull and thin. Deeper chemical peels can stimulate collagen production and improve the quality of your skin, especially when combined with a medical grade skin care regimen. The dullness is improved when new outer skin cells replace the old ones.

When is a Chemical Peel recommended?

Fine lines and wrinkles can improve dramatically with chemical peels. This is especially helpful for people with thin, crepey skin around their eyes. Chemical peels are frequently staged with eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) to improve skin and create an even better result.

How are Chemical Peels accomplished?

Chemical peels are often done in a series. Three or more peels may be performed spaced 6 weeks apart to maximize improvement. There seems to be a cumulative effect when multiple peels are done in relatively short intervals boosting the overall results.

When is a Chemical Peel used?

Light chemical peels using lactic acid, salicylic acid or Jessner’s solution usually result in peeling that lasts 2-5 days. This exfoliates the skin and improves texture temporarily, but does not tend to improve fine lines or wrinkles unless they are used frequently.

Moderate depth chemical peels generally use TCA (trichloroacetic acid) in concentrations ranging from 10-20%. Peeling generally lasts 5-7 days. These peels can improve pigmentation issues, like age spots or melasma.  Greater improvement in texture is seen with moderate depth peels and mild improvements in fine lines and wrinkles may result.

Deep chemical peels can involve higher concentrations of TCA or phenol. Substantial improvements in fine lines and wrinkles are possible.

What are the advantages of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels can create significant improvements in your skin. They are non-invasive and can be performed in the office. Most peels do not have significant down time.

What are the disadvantages of Chemical Peels?

Although chemical peels are non-invasive, the peel period takes a bit of patience. Your skin will be red and flaky until the peel completes. It is important to stay out of direct sunlight and protect your skin with sunblock following a peel because your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.

What are potential side effects of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels can cause changes in skin pigmentation. Proper pre and post peel skin care regimens are essential to maximize your result and reduce risks. Other risks of peels include skin infections and scarring.

What is the typical recovery time for a Chemical Peel?

The recovery time varies after a chemical peel depending on the depth. Light peels have no down time other than ensuring sun protection. Avoid strenuous exercise when you are in the peeling stage from a medium or deep peel, ranging from 3-10 days. After peeling is complete, your skin may appear more red for a couple days (light to medium peels) to 6 weeks (for deep peels). Foundation and makeup is fine to use once peeling is complete.